How to Plant Garden Herbs for Pest Control

By Katelyn Kelley ; Updated September 21, 2017

Planting herbs for pest control is a variation of companion planting, where you plant certain plants together to benefit each another. Herbs are a common companion to vegetable plants. While some herbs add nutrients to the ground that benefit the plants, others deter insects and animals that may cause damage. Herbs also attract beneficial insects to the garden that can help with pest control. Particularly fragrant herbs, such as lavender and thyme, repel pests by masking the appetizing scent of the vegetable flower the pest is searching for.

Plant basil in a row next to your tomatoes to deter mosquitoes and flies.

Plant coriander (cilantro) near plants susceptible to aphid infestations, such as leaf lettuce. This herb isn't bothered by aphids and repels them.

Plant oregano or sage with your broccoli and cabbages to repel the cabbage butterfly that lays eggs on the plants that lead to cabbage worm infestations. Sage is also good with carrots and protects them from flies.

Plant thyme near plants from the cabbage family to deter cabbage worms.

Plant the bitter herb horehound near tomatoes to deter grasshoppers and other leaf-eating insects; they find the herb's leaves distasteful. Horehound will also improve the tomato plants' growth.

Plant lavender in your flower beds to deter ticks and mice.

Plant rue near flowers or vegetables susceptible to Japanese beetle attacks, such as roses. Use caution, however, when handling this herb. Some people have allergic reactions to it similar to poison ivy.

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About the Author

Katelyn Kelley worked in information technology as a computing and communications consultant and web manager for 15 years before becoming a freelance writer in 2003. She specializes in instructional and technical writing in the areas of computers, gaming and crafts. Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and computer science from Boston College.